Schilling: ESPN biased against conservatives

Curt Schilling no longer shares his opinions for ESPN, but he still has plenty of opinions about ESPN.

One week after the network fired him as a baseball analyst, the former pitcher recorded an interview Wednesday in Manhattan in which he accused ESPN of bias against political conservatives, and worse.

"It was apparent to me early on that if you wanted to go off topic as a sports person, you had to go off topic left or you were going to get in trouble," Schilling, 49, said on SiriusXM Satellite Radio's "Breitbart News Patriot Forum," scheduled to air at 8 a.m. today.

"Some of the most racist things I've ever heard have come out of people that are on the air at ESPN. They're some of the biggest racists in sports commentating."

Asked to clarify, Schilling said, "The memo that was sent out more than once was about they wanted on air-talent to focus on sports. To me that means focus on sports unless you want to talk about something that is part of the liberal agenda.

"You listen to Stephen A. Smith, and Stephen A. Smith was the guy who said that Robert Griffin didn't play quarterback for the Redskins because he's black. No, Robert Griffin didn't play quarterback for the Redskins because he (stunk).

"Tony Kornheiser compared the Tea Party to ISIS. I don't know any planet where those are sports topics."

ESPN hired former major-leaguer Raul Ibanez to replace Schilling. Ibanez, 43, was a candidate for the Rays' managerial job that went to Kevin Cash before the 2015 season.

MARINERS SALE: Nintendo of America is selling its majority stake in the Mariners to a group of minority owners led by new chairman and CEO John Stanton. Outgoing chairman Howard Lincoln announced his intent to retire from day-to-day operations overseeing the franchise.

BLUE JAYS: The team that leads the majors with seven bullpen losses shook up its relief corps by recalling RHP Ryan Tepera from Triple-A Buffalo and optioning ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte to the Bisons.

GIANTS: OF Ben Revere, out since April 6 with a right oblique strain, is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this week.

INDIANS: RHP Cody Anderson, who had a 7.65 ERA in four starts, was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.

METS: OF Yoenis Cespedes, out of the starting lineup since Friday after aggravating a bruise on his right thigh, is expected to return to the lineup for this weekend's series with the Giants.

PHILLIES: RHP Charlie Morton is out for the season because of a torn left hamstring.

RANGERS: RHP Yu Darvish is scheduled to pitch Sunday for Double-A Frisco in his first rehab start since having Tommy John surgery last March.

ROCKIES: LHP Jorge De La Rosa went on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain.

TIGERS: OF Tyler Collins, who made an obscene gesture to fans Monday night, was optioned to Triple-A Toledo.

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